The Sneaky Dealer

[Yo I'm back sorry for missing the last 3 days like i said i busy house setting for some friends, here the four chapters i own for the three i miss and one for today]

Lenny's braindance stall was set up in a passageway beneath Jig-Jig Street, less than 500 meters from Wakako's office. He stood leaning against a wall, dressed in a black coat with an orange lining and wearing black sunglasses.

The trio spotted him just as a man in a fancy suit was furtively asking him questions.

"Hey, got any new stuff? I need something… intense."

"Of course," Lenny replied smoothly.

The man in the suit glanced around nervously, like a cheating husband worried about being caught.

As they approached, V noticed the suited man and wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Why is it that these corporate types always end up in places like this, buying black-market braindance?"

"These lower-ranking desk jockeys can't get into the exclusive circles where the real illicit stuff happens. They're scared to try anything that could ruin their lives, but they still want a taste. So, they settle for watching other people go crazy."

Hearing this, the suited man's face flushed. "What do you know? Watching a few videos isn't a crime!"

V snatched the chip from the man's hand and laughed. "Oh, sure! Those vids still involve real people, you know. Do you think those actors in these black-market braindances are there willingly? Let's see what you bought. 'Torture Highlights Volume 11'... You sick piece of trash!"

"Give it back! Taking people's things is illegal!"

"Enough." Leo stepped in. "We're here on business."

The suited man thought Leo was defending him, but before he could say anything, Jackie slapped him, and he slumped, dazed.

Realizing the threat, Lenny leaned against the wall and tried to defuse the tension. "Listen, I just sell these things. What happens in the chips has nothing to do with me."

Leo activated his scanner, hacking into Lenny's neural system within seconds. The dealer froze, and Leo gave him a light slap. "You've got plenty of augments. Now, tell me—who supplies your goods?"

"You… you don't know who you're messing with. You're getting in way over your head."

Leo gestured to Jackie. "Listen, kid, you're just a dealer, so I won't blame you for not knowing who I am. But let me introduce you to something you'll understand."

Jackie grabbed the "Widowmaker" from his back. At Leo's command, he shoved the gun barrel into Lenny's mouth, wrenching his jaw. Lenny's eyes filled with terror as the giant's strength held him in place.

"Just send a message now. Ten seconds. List all your suppliers."

It took less than a second for Lenny to start typing.

**[Lenny: I buy from the Tyger Claws, the Scavengers, and the Maelstrom! Which one do you want? I'll tell you everything!]**

"Tyger Claws… No, give me the whole list."

**[Lenny: The Tyger Claws source it from Jotaro Shobo. I pick it up at the Kabuki district drop point.]**

**[Lenny: The Maelstrom guy is Gottfried. I'll list the Scavenger contacts too!]**

"Good. Write it all down, and tell the Tyger Claws to send you a shipment right now."

Lenny's neural jack flickered, and he ejected a data chip. Leo checked it; it listed all the sources. The suppliers were cautious, meeting only through aliases and proxies.

Jackie withdrew the gun, wiping the barrel on Lenny's coat. As soon as he was free, Lenny fell to his knees, retching, his jaw dislocated and hanging askew.

"Look, we keep our word. You're free to go this time."

V shot Lenny a look of disdain. "Really letting him go? 'No buyers, no crime,' right? Shouldn't he pay for the victims?"

Ignoring her, Leo called River.

"Got an illegal black-market brain-chip dealer here, Lenny Nero. I'll send you his file. What's he worth in bounties?"

River looked over Lenny's profile. "He's trash. Bureau policy would set him at 900 Eddies. Best I could get."

"Good enough." Leo ended the call and looked at Lenny. "Hold up. We said we'd let you go *that* time, but this time's different. You're worth a bounty."

V got the hint, loading a round into her pistol.

As Leo spoke, Lenny tried to bolt, stammering. "It's just a business! I've got money. I can pa—"

"We're just doing business too," Leo replied coldly.

*Bang!* The shot rang out, and Lenny fell.

V put away her gun, satisfied. "This time, keep the bounty. So, what's next?"

"The drop is in Kabuki. We'll stake it out, and…" Leo checked the time, "grab a bite to eat."

"Oh, I want *that* one!" Leo pointed at the latest interface gear.

Kabuki was once the beating heart of Watson, back when Japanese medical corporations filled the area with clinics and pharmacies. Then Arasaka moved in, and the local companies folded. Now, the poverty here was among the worst in Night City, and the population density was intense.

This area was now prime territory for black-market exchanges, with Moxes, Tyger Claws, and Maelstrom all vying for influence. It was the largest underground market in the city.

Later, under the setting sun, the trio finished their meal, browsing a cyberware shop for new interface gear.

V rolled her eyes, smirking. "So, you just wanted me to pay?"

"No choice. I still need some spare parts for my Net hunts. Just expenses, you know?"

"Oh, call me 'sis,' then."

"I'd rather die! I can call you 'sis' once. Just once!"

"You're playing hardball, huh?" V said, eyeing Leo with amusement. "Which one is the priciest?"

The shop assistant's eyes glinted under his visor as he spoke. "The most expensive? That would be the Raven Micro Series 3. Fixed interface chip with personal connection. Whole set is 80k."

"Isn't that what the AI hunters use?" Leo asked, impressed.

"Right on! It's the last one we've got too."

V glanced at Leo. "Guess that's another 80k you owe me."

"Got it." Leo prodded her to pay, just as he received a message from Jackie.

**[Jackie: We've got activity at the pickup point. Looks strange.]**

**[Leo: Strange how?]**

**[Jackie: Looks nervous, sketchy for a gang delivery. This guy's no rookie.]**

**[Jackie: Pic attached]**

**[Leo: Yeah, odd. Keep eyes on him. Any Tyger Claws around?]**

**[Jackie: Yep. They're moving in.]**

**[Leo: Stay on him. Keep him safe.]**